Join a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive team that is passionate about improving outcomes for Victorian Children.
This is Full Time, Full Time Fixed Term position until 30 June 2027.
About the Role
As a Policy Advisor, you will contribute to the design, development and implementation of strategic and operational policy for Victorian funded kindergarten services. This role will suit someone with policy and project management capabilities, who thrives in a dynamic environment, adapts quickly to changing priorities, and fosters effective collaboration.
You will bring high-level verbal and written communication skills, a strong eye for detail, and commitment to improving outcomes for children.
Attributes
This role is suited to applicants who:
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Bring a good understanding of operational policies and processes, and know how to apply them to guide your work.
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Build strong working relationships and responds effectively to stakeholder needs and feedback.
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Take initiative, adapt quickly to change, and enjoy working collaboratively across teams to deliver shared goals.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
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A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).
About the Division
Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.
The Division consists of two branches:
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Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
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Sector Monitoring and Support Branch
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:
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kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
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setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
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strategic funding and operational projects, including supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Preschool Reform Agreement
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Free Kinder
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kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting.
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An exciting opportunity exists for a talented Policy Officer to join a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive team that is passionate about improving outcomes for Victorian Children.
The Early Learning Operations Unit works across the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch to identify and implement strategic opportunities that strengthen current practices and ensure funding can be used as effectively as possible to drive positive outcomes for children.
Key functions of the Early Learning Operations Unit include:
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overseeing funding and policy arrangements to support a high quality, sustainable kindergarten sector that is accessible to all eligible children
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coordination and quality assurance of internal and external reporting
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revising program guidelines in line with policy and regulatory changes and Ministerial expectations
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linking strategic policy to operational outcomes
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project management capabilities, who thrives in a dynamic environment, adapts quickly to changing priorities, and fosters effective collaboration.
ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.
ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact
Natalie Merivale, at
[email protected].
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 14 June 2026.
